Festering conflicts in Sudan, Congo

NAIROBI, Kenya—Amid surging violence in eastern Congo and a worrisome buildup of government troops in Darfur, Obama may quickly face pressure to deal with two festering African conflicts.

He has promised to end what he has called genocide in Sudan's Darfur region and to promote stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where fears have risen about an escalation of clashes between Tutsi rebels on one side and government troops and Hutu militias on the other.

Fulfilling the pledges won't be easy, not least because the U.S. has few extra troops for any new military effort in Africa. Imposing sanctions on Sudan would be an uphill battle, given that China has threatened to veto proposed measures at the UN.